Short-Faced Scorpionfly vs Australian Dobsonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Short-Faced Scorpionfly Australian Dobsonfly
Scientific Name Panorpodes paradoxus Archichauliodes diversus
Order Mecoptera Megaloptera
Family Panorpodidae Corydalidae
Size 10-14 mm 50-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Pollen Feeders Predators
Regions Asia Australia, New Zealand
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Short-Faced Scorpionfly

An unusual scorpionfly with a shorter rostrum than typical Panorpa species, found in East Asian forests. It feeds primarily on nectar and pollen.

💡

Did You Know?

Unlike most scorpionflies that scavenge dead insects, this species has evolved a shortened face for feeding primarily on flower nectar.

Australian Dobsonfly

A large, dark dobsonfly found in clean streams across southeastern Australia. Larvae are important predators in cool forest streams.

💡

Did You Know?

It is found on both sides of the Tasman Sea, occurring in both Australia and New Zealand.